Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) and the AI Applied Consortium (AAIC) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to accelerate AI adoption across the wholesale distribution sector. The AAIC promotes responsible AI innovation through strategic research, advisory councils, and cross-sector collaboration.
“Distributors are uniquely positioned to unlock massive value from applied AI, from forecasting and fulfillment to customer engagement,” said Bart Tessel, Chief Innovation Officer at NAW. “This partnership gives our industry a seat at the table in shaping how AI is designed and delivered for real operational impact.”
As part of this collaboration, NAW will provide leadership in the Wholesale Distribution Advisory Council, one of AAIC’s cornerstone initiatives for 2025. This advisory group is focused on bringing AI-driven innovation to supply chain management, inventory optimization, workforce productivity, and customer intelligence.
“Wholesale distribution plays a vital role in the global economy, and it’s a sector ripe for AI transformation,” said Konrad Konarski, Chairperson of the AI Applied Consortium. “Partnering with NAW allows us to bring the power of applied AI to the front lines of supply chains, empowering distributors with tools that improve efficiency, decision-making, and customer outcomes.”
The Council will include executives from across the distribution ecosystem and support development of real-world use cases, best practices, and scalable AI solutions that reflect the needs of the industry. In an environment defined by shifting market pressures and operational complexity, applied AI offers distributors the agility and intelligence to adapt with confidence. It builds on AAIC’s broader mission to advance responsible AI deployment across manufacturing, energy and utilities, financial services, public sector, retail, and social good.
“Over the years I’ve seen distributors move from AI skepticism to experimentation to now implementing real AI solutions that drive meaningful results,” said Nick Pericle, Fellow at the NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence. “The pressures of distribution are real, but so is the opportunity. This partnership ensures distributors can understand and leverage purpose-built AI technologies designed for the real rhythm of distribution.”
Teesee Murray, Group President at Turtle, and a newly confirmed Trustee of the AI Applied Consortium, echoed the importance of the initiative:
“AI is revolutionizing how we operate, compete, and serve customers. With NAW and AAIC working together, we’re creating a framework for practical, scalable AI adoption that strengthens supply chains and prepares businesses for the future.”
The collaboration will also include public programming to help educate and engage leaders across the sector. As part of this effort, AAIC leadership will be featured on stage at MDM’s SHIFT Conference this May 13-15, hosted in partnership with NAW, to discuss actionable AI strategies for distribution executives.
To learn more about the AI Applied Consortium, visit www.aaiconsortium.org.
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is one of America’s leading trade associations, representing the $8.2 trillion wholesale distribution industry. Founded in 1946, NAW comprises national, regional, and state employers of all sizes, industry trade associations, partners, and stakeholders spanning all distribution sectors. Our industry employs more than 6 million workers throughout the United States, accounting for 1/3 of the U.S. GDP.
